AFL Shepherding Rules: Legal and Illegal Blocks

If you've ever watched an AFL game and found yourself yelling at the TV about a block that wasn't paid, or scratching your head when your local club player got pinged for something that looked perfectly fine on the weekend, you're not alone. Shepherding is one of those rules that seems straightforward until you actually try to apply it. Whether you're a new fan trying to understand the game, a weekend warrior wanting to avoid frustration, or a parent trying to explain to your kid why they got penalised, this guide will walk through some common scenarios people face with shepherding rules.

The Common Problem: What Actually Is a Legal Shepherd?

Here's the thing about shepherding in Aussie Rules: it's meant to protect players and keep the game flowing, but the line between a fair block and an illegal one can feel thinner than a WAFL player's guernsey after a wet game. A common frustration is, "I see AFL players do it every week, but when I try it, I get penalised!" That's usually because the rules change depending on where the ball is, who's involved, and whether you're within five metres of the contest.

Let's break down some typical scenarios, what causes them, and how to approach them.

Scenario 1: Shepherding Away From the Contest

Symptoms: You get penalised for blocking when the ball isn't within five metres. You hear the umpire call "illegal block" or "shepherd away from the ball."

Causes: A common misunderstanding is thinking you can block anyone, anywhere, as long as you're protecting a teammate. In practice, shepherding is only legal when both you and the player you're blocking are within five metres of the ball. If the ball has moved on and you're still engaging with an opponent, you're committing an illegal block.

Approach:

1. Before you make contact, check your position relative to the ball. Is it within arm's reach of both you and your opponent? If not, back off.
2. If the ball is within five metres, you can use your body to block an opponent from getting to the contest. Use your arms, hips, and torso—not your hands.
3. The moment the ball leaves that five-metre zone, disengage immediately. Let the opponent go.
4. If you're unsure, watch the umpire's positioning. If they're close to the contest, they're watching for shepherds. If they're further away, they're probably focused on the ball carrier.
5. Practise this at training with a coach who can blow the whistle when you're too far from the ball.

Scenario 2: Blocking a Player Who Isn't Going for the Ball

Symptoms: You bump a player who is running to receive a handball, and you get penalised. The umpire calls "shepherd on a player not in the contest."

Causes: You can only shepherd a player who is actively contesting the ball. If an opponent is running to receive a handball or to provide an option, they are not contesting the ball—they're trying to get it. Blocking them is illegal. This is different from a tackle, where you can go after the ball carrier.

Approach:

1. Identify who is contesting the ball. Is the opponent trying to win possession at a marking contest or ground ball? If yes, you can shepherd them.
2. If the opponent is running to receive a pass or to provide a lead, you cannot block them. You must allow them to run freely.
3. If you want to prevent them from getting the ball, you need to go for the ball yourself or tackle the player who will receive it.
4. At training, practise recognising the difference between a contest and a lead. Have a coach call out scenarios.
5. If you're a junior player or new to the game, ask your coach to set up drills where you learn to identify who is "in the contest" and who is not.

Scenario 3: Using Hands or Arms to Shepherd

Symptoms: You get penalised for "holding" or "blocking with hands." The umpire calls "illegal shepherd" and you're confused because you barely touched them.

Causes: Many players think you can use your hands or arms to push an opponent away during a shepherd. This is not correct. Shepherding is a body-on-body block. You can use your torso, hips, and shoulders, but your arms and hands must be kept close to your body. Any extension of the arms to push, hold, or steer an opponent is illegal.

Approach:

1. Keep your arms tucked in like you're hugging a surfboard. Your forearms should be against your chest.
2. When making contact, lead with your shoulder or hip, not your hands.
3. If you find yourself reaching out, you're doing it wrong. Stop, reset, and use your body instead.
4. Practise shepherding drills where you hold a towel or a small ball in each hand. This forces you to keep your arms in.
5. Watch AFL players closely. Notice how they keep their arms close to their body when shepherding. They only use their hands when marking or tackling.

Scenario 4: Shepherding the Bump vs. Shepherding the Mark

Symptoms: You bump a player who is about to mark the ball, and you get penalised for "interference" or "blocking the mark."

Causes: This is a huge point of confusion. You can shepherd a player who is contesting a mark, but you cannot bump them after they have taken the mark or when they are about to take an uncontested mark. If a player is running to take an uncontested mark (no one else is competing), you cannot block them. If they are in a contested marking situation, you can shepherd them away from the contest, but you cannot bump them after they have taken possession.

Approach:

1. If a player is running to take an uncontested mark, let them go. Do not make contact.
2. If a player is contesting a mark with your teammate, you can shepherd them away from the contest. Use your body to block their path to the ball.
3. The moment the ball is marked (by anyone), the shepherd ends. You cannot continue to block the player.
4. If you bump a player after they've taken the mark, you'll be penalised for "high contact" or "blocking after the mark."
5. Practise this at training by having a coach call "mark" when the ball is caught. Your job is to disengage immediately.

Scenario 5: Shepherding in the Goal Square or Behind Play

Symptoms: You block a player in the goal square or behind the play, and you get penalised. The umpire calls "illegal shepherd" or "blocking."

Causes: Shepherding is only legal when you are within five metres of the ball and the player you are blocking is contesting the ball. In the goal square, players are often setting up for a mark or a shot. If you block them when the ball is elsewhere, you are committing an illegal block. Similarly, behind play—where the ball has moved on—you cannot engage with an opponent.

Approach:

1. Only shepherd when the ball is within five metres of both you and your opponent.
2. If the ball is in the forward line and you're in the goal square, you're too far away. Stand still or move to a better position.
3. If you're behind play, disengage from any opponent. Run to where the ball is going.
4. If you want to prevent a player from getting the ball in the goal square, you need to be within five metres of the ball when it arrives.
5. Watch how AFL full-backs and full-forwards interact. They rarely shepherd each other in the goal square because it's generally not allowed.

Scenario 6: Shepherding as a Ruckman

Symptoms: You're a ruckman, you block your opponent from getting to the contest after the ruck contest, and you get penalised. The umpire calls "illegal shepherd" or "blocking."

Causes: Ruckmen have specific rules around shepherding. After a ruck contest, you cannot block your opponent from getting to the ball if you are not contesting the ball yourself. If you win the tap and then block your opponent, that's generally fine. But if you lose the tap and then block your opponent, you're illegally interfering with play.

Approach:

1. After the ruck contest, if you win the tap, you can shepherd your opponent away from the ball.
2. If you lose the tap, you must go for the ball yourself. You cannot block your opponent.
3. If you are not contesting the ruck (e.g., you're a midfielder), you cannot block the opposing ruckman from getting to the ball.
4. Practise ruck drills where you learn to read the tap and decide whether to go for the ball or shepherd.
5. If you're a junior ruckman, ask your coach to explain the "ruckman's rules" specifically.

Scenario 7: Shepherding in Local Club Football

Symptoms: You play local footy, and you get penalised for shepherding in ways that seem inconsistent. One week it's fine, the next week it's a free kick.

Causes: Local club football often has less experienced umpires who may interpret the rule differently. Additionally, local competitions sometimes adopt modified rules for player safety. The five-metre rule might be interpreted loosely, and some umpires penalise any contact away from the ball.

Approach:

1. Before the game, ask the umpire how they interpret shepherding. Most will appreciate the question.
2. If you're a coach, discuss the rule with the umpire before the game and explain it to your players.
3. In local footy, err on the side of caution. If you're not sure, don't make contact.
4. If you get penalised, ask the umpire specifically what you did wrong. "Was I too far from the ball?" or "Did I use my hands?" This helps you learn.
5. If your local league has modified rules, make sure you read the league's rulebook. It's usually available online.

Scenario 8: Shepherding in Junior Football

Symptoms: Your child gets penalised for shepherding, and you don't understand why. The umpire calls "illegal block" and your child is confused.

Causes: Junior football often has stricter rules around shepherding to protect young players. In many junior competitions, shepherding is not allowed at all, or it's only allowed in specific situations. Additionally, junior players often don't understand the five-metre rule.

Approach:

1. Check your junior league's rules. Many junior competitions (especially under-12s and under-14s) do not allow shepherding.
2. If shepherding is allowed, teach your child to only block when the ball is very close.
3. Teach your child to keep their arms in and use their body. Junior players often use their hands and get penalised.
4. If your child is confused, explain that shepherding is about protecting a teammate who is going for the ball, not about pushing anyone away.
5. If you're a coach, run drills that teach kids when to shepherd and when to leave players alone.

Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Shepherding Penalties

1. Always check your distance from the ball. If you're more than five metres away, you cannot block.
2. Keep your arms in. Use your body, not your hands.
3. Disengage immediately when the ball moves on. Don't hold onto an opponent.
4. Know who is contesting the ball. Only block players who are trying to win possession.
5. Practise with a coach. Have someone blow a whistle when you're too far from the ball or using your hands.
6. Watch AFL games with a specific focus on shepherding. Notice how players disengage quickly and keep their arms in.
7. If you're a coach, teach the rule before the season starts. Run specific drills for shepherding.
8. In local footy, be conservative. If you're not sure, don't make contact.

When to Seek Official, Club, Coach, or Professional Guidance

• If you're a junior player or parent: Speak to your club's junior coordinator or your child's coach. They can explain the specific rules for your competition.
• If you're a local club player: Ask your coach to run a session on shepherding rules. If you're still confused, ask the umpire before the game.
• If you're a coach: Contact your league's umpiring coordinator. They can provide clarification on rule interpretations.
• If you're a parent watching your child play: Don't argue with the umpire. Instead, ask your child's coach to explain the rule after the game.
• If you're an umpire: Refer to the official AFL rulebook for shepherding. If you're unsure, speak to your umpiring coach or coordinator.
• If you're a player who has been penalised multiple times: Ask a coach or experienced player to watch you train and give feedback on your shepherding technique.

Shepherding is one of those rules that seems simple until you try to apply it in real time. The key is understanding the five-metre rule, knowing who is contesting the ball, and keeping your arms in. Once you get the hang of it, you'll find that shepherding is a great way to help your team without needing to touch the ball. And if you're still confused, remember: when in doubt, let them go. It's better to miss a shepherd than to give away a free kick.

Now get out there, keep your arms in, and shepherd legally. Your teammates (and your umpire) will thank you.

For more AFL rules guides, check out our AFL Rules Basics and our guide to Deliberate Out of Bounds. If you're new to the game, our Rules and Positions hub has everything you need to get started.